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Monday, January 26, 2015

week 76: We were able to finally get in with the progressing investigator

We were able to finally get in with the progressing
investigator the Sisters gave us as a result of the boundary changes. His name
is Devin. He is very knowledgeable about the Restoration, Plan of Salvation,
and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He could have taught us. The only thing that is
holding him back is smoking and attending church. We are excited to be able to
work with him to overcome these obstacles.

We had dinner at the Mosley's on Thursday night. As we
were talking with him and telling him where we were from he told us he had a
companion, Elder Nielsen, in the MTC who was from Blackfoot and owns a meat
shop there. It is a really small world here in Wyoming. I've run into a lot
more people who know where Blackfoot is, did clinicals there, or went to school
in Rexburg or lived in Idaho Falls or Pocatello for a while before moving here.
Dessert was also very interesting. His kids really like root beer floats. So we
found a root beer float cake in Albertson's and we had that with Root Beer
Floats. Dinner was pulled elk sandwiches. It was really good.

District Meeting went really well. We had a get to know
each other activity which involved playing signs and answering questions when
caught and having to go to the middle. The questions ranged from what did you
like doing back home to what type of shoes did you wear. Some were a little
ridiculous like that, but others were really good questions that helped build
district unity. In our district are the following. Me, Elder Nicholas, Elder
Jugler (District Leader), Elder Abarca, Elder Van Buren, Elder Nixon, and
Sister Sutton and Sister Sumsion.

Friday also was a meeting day. We had Zone Training
meeting and learned a lot on how to be successful in our work by using Role
Plays to practice teaching for our investigators. We also talked about some
success and concerns we were seeing in all our areas and got suggestions from
everyone on how to overcome those problems.

A lot of this week has been sorting through records to
get oriented in our new areas. We printed out a ward roster so that we could
see members and help them become more missionary minded. Especially with
dinners we have been testifying of the first vision, asking for referrals, and
challenging the members to give out a Restoration pamphlet to someone they
know. They have responded with enthusiasm and promised to prayerfully choose
people to share with. That has been a big focus this week because the Bishop [would
like us to meet all the members and help them adjust to the change. We have
been finding success through this despite our investigators being sick and not
able to meet with us.

We were called on Saturday to see if we could help
someone carry some items into Sister Adam's home. We called Brother Gosman our
Elder's quorum president who picked us up and we helped her. One of our
appointments afterwards wasn't there so we took the opportunity, since we had a
member with us, to go see the Brauchies. They are a returning member family.
They live far away from our apartment so we needed a member to take us there.
It turned out great and we were able to teach about the importance of having
daily scripture study. It gives us a feeling of uplift that comes from the Holy
Ghost. When our days are going wrong or we feel upset, disappointed, or
saddened we can turn to the scriptures. The Book of Mormon especially is a
perfect vehicle of the spirit. The Spirit is a comforter which helps us get rid
of those negative feelings and replaces them with positive. That is why it is
essential we read EVERY DAY. It invites the spirit strongly into our lives to
help us make correct decisions. I love starting the day with my study of the
scriptures. It really is what makes our day go well, when we seriously ponder
and reflect upon them. I have received Revelation from them that isn't even on
what they were saying there on the page, but they invited the spirit which
allowed me to receive answers to problems, questions, needs for the people we
see, and the Lord's will for me. I LOVE THE SCRIPTURES.

Glad I was able to write and share my experiences from
this week. It's great having the time to reflect back upon the week. I also
have had a great experience with accountability through prayer. Preach my
Gospel teaches much about this in Chapter 8 how do I use my time wisely.
It Says

The principle of accountability is fundamental
in God’s eternal plan. We will all stand
before the Lord at the last judgment and give an
accounting for what we have done with
the opportunities He has given us...with the
idea that you will account for your
efforts...to the Lord through prayer...In your
prayer at the end of the day, give an
accounting of your work." (Preach my
Gospel)

I have had great experiences applying this counsel in my
prayer at night and as I have focused on gratitude I have had a wonderful and
edifying experience. I love serving the Lord and continuing to learn as much as
I can and overcoming many of my weaknesses as I turn to him humbly (Ether 12:27).